How many barbels does the White Catfish possess around its mouth, characteristic of its family?
Answer
Eight barbels
Barbels are a defining feature used in the identification of catfish within the order Siluriformes, and the specific count and arrangement can sometimes help differentiate members within the family Ictaluridae. The White Catfish exhibits a consistent count of eight barbels surrounding its oral cavity. These sensory projections are vital for navigating and locating food sources along the bottom substrate, especially in low-visibility environments where their primary foraging occurs. This characteristic number of eight is frequently cited as a key morphological trait aligning the species firmly within the Ictaluridae family structure, alongside features like scale absence and tail shape.
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